Join us on Thursday, June 5th from 5:30-7:30 pm for a special opening ceremony to celebrate UTSA College of Architecture's Art Installation at the new Travis Park. Enjoy entertainment and cocktails by the St. Anthony Hotel while exploring this amazing art structure. F2 is a spruce wood and plastic grid shell installation approximately 40 ft by 40 ft that will be installed in Travis Park and on display for 3 months. This project is the first site specific public art exhibit in the new Travis Park, which will draw new audiences to this vibrant urban center.

Join us for this informational & comprehensive workshop that will focus on infill development in the center city and the role that various key City of San Antonio departments and partners play in the process. Hosted by the City's Center City Development & Operations Department, Urban Land Institute- San Antonio, and Centro San Antonio, this will be a "must-attend" half-day workshop for developers, design professionals, real estate attorneys, or anyone else interested in developing and facilitating development in the center city.

Main Plaza Conservancy presents a monumental video art installation, San Antonio|The Saga on Friday, June 13 at Main Plaza from 7-11 pm. Created by renowned French Artist, Xavier de Richemont, this 7,000-sq.-ft. projection with custom choreographed music in surround sound will narrate the historical discovery, settlement and development of San Antonio.

For the next 10 years, this breathtaking artistic representation will become a recurring event on Main Plaza that visitors and residents alike can experience. Opening events are free and open to the public.

AwesomeSA would like to congratulate Alfred Rocha for his "Travis Park Lit Up!" project, which plans to transform Travis Park into a wonder of light for a few days. The ultimate goal of this project is to welcome a new and exciting environment in our San Antonio parks, including pop-up happy hours, traveling art exhibits and performances.

Our second, surprise winner is Eddie Romero and JJ Lopez's "Travis Park Dance Party", which will bring the "Super Soul Shakedown" event series to Travis Park. These events have deep roots in San Antonio and pay homage to the history of soul music in our city and has been active through Trinity University's KRTU.

With the City's ongoing efforts to strengthen economic growth in the city core, the Downtown Operations Department has merged with the Center City Development Office. The merger realigned Downtown Events, Parking, Leasing and Maintenance functions under the Center City Development Office and has streamlined downtown operations and facilitated the economic growth of downtown. This is an exciting time for the entire department as we begin the process of introducing our new department logo:

The mission of the Center City Development and Operations Department is to initiate and facilitate opportunities to enhance the livability, commerce, infrastructure, and prosperity for a vibrant Center City. We look forward to working with you as we strive to enhance the downtown experience. With so much to offer, downtown San Antonio is the ultimate place for both locals and visitors to enjoy unique entertainment, family-friendly activities, and beautiful parks. If you have any questions or feedback, I encourage you to contact our office. Until then, I look forward to seeing you downtown.

We're located at 100 W. Houston St, Suite 1900, San Antonio, TX 78283. Contact us at (210) 207-3914 or via email at downtown@sanantonio.gov for questions or assistance related to downtown San Antonio.

Big Tex

By Aurora Perkins, Center City Development & Operations Department

In line with the vision of SA2020 and the Decade of Downtown, the Blue Star II/Big Tex project by the NRP Group is currently underway in Southtown and Council District 5. Blue Star II represents a housing and retail development with a total investment of $42 million of which the city provided $4.9 million in tax and development incentives. The project will consist of 320 market rate housing units, approximately 6,000 square feet of commercial retail space, an art gallery and over $2.2 million in public improvements. The designed development includes the revitalization of the former Big Tex Grain site and provides a direct connection to the River and surrounding amenities, further strengthening SouthTown as a destination for living and social activities. An official ground breaking ceremony with the Mayor, Councilwoman Gonzales, and County officials is scheduled for May 30th at 10:00 am.

For more information on the ground breaking event, please contact Laura Lopez with Aguillon & Associates at (210)254-9160. For more information on Center City Housing Incentive Program visit www.sanantonio.gov/CCDO.

Movies by Moonlight at Travis Park

By Tonya Baum, Center City Development & Operations Department

Join us every Tuesday in June and July for Movies by Moonlight in Travis Park! Bring the whole family to the park for a family night out with pre-entertainment beginning at 7:30pm with children's activities, music, food trucks and much more! Show time begins at 8:30pm. Movies include Brave, Frozen, Monsters University, Finding Nemo to name a few. Downtown Tuesday offers FREE parking at St.Mary's Garage, plus city-operated garages, lots and meters every Tuesday evening after 5pm.Find up to date information and images on Facebook. For more information please call (210)207-7819 or email tonya.baum@sanantonio.gov.

The SA Urban Pet Market at Travis Park

By Tonya Baum, Center City Development & Operations Department

The SA Urban Pet Market is a unique monthly market providing a unique experience for pet owners, offers pet adoptions and foster opportunities, as well as educates the community on spay/neuter & vaccination opportunities and most importantly raises funds to support the City's No Kill initiative.

Pet vendors include grooming, photography, treats, collars, accessories, training, pet care, food, demonstrations, and entertainment. Proceeds from the event benefit local non-profit animal welfare and rescue organizations as we support their efforts to make San Antonio a no kill city. The event is held at Travis Park from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm on the Third Saturday of every month. Find up to date information and images on SA Urban Pet Market Facebook Page. For more information please call (210)207-7819 or email tonya.baum@sanantonio.gov.

City of San Antonio - Center City Development & Operations Department

Need assistance? Have a suggestion for the newsletter? Contact us with comments or questions at downtown@sanantonio.gov